We at CONICA continuously test new materials, new solutions, advanced systems, and all kind of innovative installation procedures to improve the performance, efficiency, quality or competitiveness of our safety flooring solutions for sports, playgrounds, leisure, industrial and commercial applications.
One of these materials that we have tested in the past are the glowing granules that can be visible during the night or at dark spaces.
What we found so far with the previously tested products is that this glowing effect only last for a few months and need an absolutely dark surrounding to be visible enough. In addition to that, price was quite higher, so we found not justified to include the product on our portfolio so far.
Recently I received samples from a new manufacturer (Nanjing Feeling Rubber) and I plan to perform some additional tests during the next few months.
My recent LinkedIn contact Mia at Nanjing Feeling Rubber was so kind to send me samples (Thanks Mia) and what I know from her is that these granules can be made with different rubber content and consequently can have a harder or softer finish. The hard ones can keep glowing effect for a longer time of about 12 hours after 30 minutes absorbing light. The glowing time for the softer ones is quite shorter (about 2 hours).
What I expect to test during the next few months is specially the life span of this glowing effect midterm to ensure we can fulfil our customer expectations.
I need to learn also about potential effects of the main raw material used as additive for the fluorescent effect that is usually a silver alumina powder and this additive is probably the main reason to explain the higher cost of this kind of granules when compared with common EPDM.
These granules can be mixed with coloured EPDM in a proportion of 0,1 to 3,5 Kg/m2 according to the expected level of fluorescence targeted and a hybrid or full aliphatic binder must be used to avoid yellowing eliminate the luminous effect.
Let’s see what I am able to learn about this product. I will keep you updated when my test is completed.
Take care
Rubberman Blog 